Camping and Overlanding Tips & Tricks

What Roof Top Tent to Buy ? Comparison of 2025 models

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Roof Top Tent

Why Choose a Roof Top Tent?

Craving outdoor adventures in Canada? Roof Top Tents transform your vehicle into a cozy campsite. They offer quick setup, superior comfort, and protection from wet ground.

Whether exploring the Rocky Mountains or camping by a lake, a Roof Top Tent is perfect. But is a Roof Top Tent worth it? Absolutely, if you seek freedom and convenience! Here’s why they captivate Canadian campers.

Key Benefits

  • First, comfort: Elevated, they provide dry and secure sleeping.
  • Next, quick setup: Set up camp in minutes.
  • Then, versatility: Suitable for SUVs, 4x4s, and pickups.
  • Finally, durability: Weather-resistant, ideal for all seasons.
Forest view

What Criteria to Choose Your Roof Top Tent?

Choosing which Roof Top Tent is the best depends on your needs. Weight, type, capacity, and seasonality are key. Here are the critical factors to guide your purchase. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a family, we have the solution.

Roof Top Tent Weight: A Crucial Factor

How much does a Roof Top Tent weigh? The weight varies by model. Hard shell tents range from 96 to 155 lbs, while soft shell tents range from 114 to 185 lbs, depending on size.

Ensure your vehicle’s capacity before buying a Roof Top Tent. For example, a lightweight model, like our ultra-light, suits smaller SUVs.

  • Hard shell tents: 96 to 155 lbs, robust and durable.
  • Soft shell tents: 108 to 185 lbs. Sometimes lighter for the same space but require more setup time.
  • Vehicle capacity: Ensure your roof racks support the weight.
Tent on a car roof

Tent Type: Soft Shell or Hard Shell?

Soft shell Roof Top Tents are affordable and spacious but require more care. Hard shell Roof Top Tents offer durability and quick setup.

Our 4-season models, perfect for Canadian winters, include removable insulation. Choose based on your camping style.

  • Soft shell: Affordable, spacious, manual setup.
  • Hard shell: One-step setup, ideal for extreme conditions.
  • 4-season: Insulation included or optional for winter camping.

Capacity and Size

Are you camping solo, as a couple, or with family? Our Roof Top Tents range from 2 to 5 persons. Hard shell 3- and 4-person models suit families, with optional annexes. Soft shell 5-person tents offer maximum space.

  • 2-person: Ideal for couples or solo with gear.
  • 3-person: Perfect for 2 adults and 1 child.
  • 4-5 person: Designed for families or groups.
Camping and outdoor for 5 persons

Ease of Setup

Quick setup is a major advantage for most campers. Our hard shell Roof Top Tents open in 1 minute with systems like one-step opening. Soft shell tents are more affordable but take 5-10 minutes and risk interior moisture.

  • Quick setup: Hard shell tents ready in 60 seconds.
  • Compatibility: Crossbars required for all models; weight limit depends on your vehicle but is accessible with Roof Top Tents as light as 96 lbs or 114 lbs, compatible even with smaller cars.
  • Finally, accessibility: Telescopic ladders included, up to 330 lbs.
Car front view in a forest camping

Comparison of Our 10 Roof Top Tent Models

Here’s an overview to help you decide what Roof Top Tent to buy. Our hard and soft shell models meet all needs, from summer camping to winter expeditions.

4-Season Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

Our 4-season hard shell Roof Top Tents are built for Canadian climates. They’re robust, with winter insulation and an awning.

1. 4-Season 2-Person:

  • Mattress size: 79 x 47 inches.
  • Weight: 155 lbs, honeycomb aluminum shell.
  • 4-season insulation included.
  • Awning included, 13 x 9 feet.
  • Diesel heater entry.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • Additional roof bars (carry up to 600 lbs of gear above the tent).
  • Finally, setup in under 1 minute.
4-Season Roof Top Tent for 2 People

2. 4-Season 3-Person:

  • Mattress size: 80 x 60 inches.
  • Weight: 160 lbs, 280g PU5000mm Oxford polyester fabric.
  • 4-season insulation included.
  • Awning included, 13 x 9 feet.
  • Annexe optional.
  • Diesel heater entry included.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • Additional roof bars (carry up to 600 lbs of gear above the tent).
  • Finally, setup in under 1 minute.
4-Season Roof Top Tent for 3 Persons

3. 4-Season 4-Person:

  • Mattress size: 80 x 70 inches.
  • Weight: 175 lbs, 280g PU5000mm Oxford polyester fabric.
  • 4-season insulation included.
  • Awning included, 13 x 9 feet.
  • Annexe optional.
  • Diesel heater entry included.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • Additional roof bars (carry up to 600 lbs of gear above the tent).
  • Finally, setup in under 1 minute.
4-Season Roof Top Tent for 4 Persons view from the side

Soft Shell Roof Top Tents

Above all, they’re more affordable. Our soft shell Roof Top Tents offer space and comfort at a lower price. Plus, 4-season insulation is available as an option.

1. Soft Shell 2-Person:

  • Mattress size: 85 x 49 inches.
  • Weight: 114 lbs, ripstop poly-cotton fabric.
  • 4-season insulation optional.
  • Annexe optional.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • 3D breathable mesh.
  • Setup in 5-10 minutes.
2-Person Soft Shell Roof Top Tent

2. Soft Shell 3-Person:

  • Mattress size: 96 x 56 inches.
  • Weight: 137 lbs, ripstop poly-cotton fabric.
  • 4-season insulation optional.
  • Annexe optional.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • 3D breathable mesh.
  • Setup in 5-10 minutes.
3-Person Soft Shell Roof Top Tent

3. Soft Shell 5-Person:

  • Mattress size: 96 x 75 inches.
  • Weight: 185 lbs, ripstop poly-cotton fabric.
  • 4-season insulation optional.
  • Annexe optional.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • 3D breathable mesh.
  • Setup in 5-10 minutes.
5-Person Soft Shell Roof Top Tent

Ultra-Light Roof Top Tent

Perfect for small vehicles, this Roof Top Tent is the lightest in its class. It combines simplicity and durability. Ideal for solo adventurers or couples, it sets up in a snap.

Ultra-Light 2-Person:

  • Mattress size: 78 x 48 inches.
  • Weight: 96 lbs, 280g PU5000mm Oxford polyester fabric.
  • 4-season insulation included.
  • Diesel heater entry included.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • Additional roof bars (carry up to 600 lbs of gear above the tent).
  • Finally, setup in under 1 minute.
Side view of the Lightweight Roof Top Tent for 2 People

Hard Shell Roof Top Tent 2-Person: Space and Simplicity at an Attractive Price

The hard shell Roof Top Tent is an excellent choice for combining comfort, space, and ease of use. Its affordable price makes it appealing. Plus, its diamond opening and included awning offer a premium experience at a reasonable cost.

Hard Shell 2-Person:

  • Capacity: 2 adults, spacious diamond opening.
  • Mattress size: 83 x 48 inches.
  • Weight: 155 lbs, durable ripstop poly-cotton fabric.
  • 4-season insulation optional (~$400).
  • Side awning included for the hard shell Roof Top Tent, 7 x 6.5 feet.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • Additional roof bars (carry gear above the tent).
  • 3D breathable mesh.
  • Skyview window with mosquito net.
  • Setup in under 1 minute.
  • Plus, 3 fixed ladder attachments for better stability and versatility.
  • Finally, stainless steel locking closure for enhanced durability.
2-Person Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

Specialized Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

Finally, our unique models offer innovative solutions for uncompromising adventures. Choose based on your specific needs.

Large Hard Shell Roof Top Tent 2-Person:

  • Capacity: 2 adults, spacious with 1- or 2-step opening (adjustable based on needs).
  • Mattress size: 78 x 48 inches.
  • Weight: 158 lbs, 280g PU5000mm Oxford polyester fabric.
  • 4-season insulation included.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • Additional roof bars (carry up to 600 lbs of gear above the tent).
  • Finally, setup in under 1 minute.
Rugged equipment case under a Roof Top Tent

Pop Up Roof Top Tent 2-Person Kelowna:

  • Vertical cube Pop-Up opening.
  • Mattress size: 83 x 48 inches.
  • Weight: 108 lbs, durable ripstop poly-cotton fabric.
  • Integrated LED lighting.
  • 3D breathable mesh.
  • Finally, setup in under 1 minute.
Pop Up Roof Top Tent

Which Roof Top Tent is the Best?

In conclusion, which Roof Top Tent is the best depends on your adventure style. For harsh winters, choose a 4-season hard shell. Families will love the 4-Season 4-Person with annexe. Solo adventurers or couples will appreciate the 2-Person hard shell for its ease. Here are our recommendations:

Night camping with campfire glow

What Roof Top Tent to Buy?

Still wondering what Roof Top Tent to buy? Consider your budget, vehicle, and camping frequency. Soft shell tents suit tight budgets, while hard shells offer durability and speed. Here’s a comparison table to guide you.

Roof Top Tent Comparison Table

Model Mattress Size Weight Awning Included Type Insulation Price
4-Season 2-Person 79 x 47 in 155 lbs Yes Hard Shell Included $3399
4-Season 3-Person 80 x 60 in 160 lbs Yes Hard Shell Included $3999
4-Season 4-Person 80 x 70 in 175 lbs Yes Hard Shell Included $3999
Soft Shell 2-Person 85 x 49 in 114 lbs No Soft Shell Optional $1949
Soft Shell 3-Person 96 x 56 in 137 lbs No Soft Shell Optional $2449
Soft Shell 5-Person 96 x 75 in 185 lbs No Soft Shell Optional $2949
Ultra-Light 78 x 48 in 96 lbs No Hard Shell Included $3199
Hard Shell 2-Person 83 x 48 in 155 lbs Yes Hard Shell Optional $3649
Large Hard Shell 78 x 48 in 158 lbs No Hard Shell Included $3699
Pop-Up Kelowna 83 x 48 in 108 lbs No Hard Shell No $3749

Is a Roof Top Tent Worth It?

Yes, it’s a must-have for Canadian adventurers! It offers comfort, safety, and freedom. Compared to ground tents, it protects against weather and wildlife. Our 4-season models excel in winter, with insulation and heating. Here’s why it’s worth investing.

  • Freedom: Camp anywhere, from national parks to wild terrains.
  • Comfort: Memory foam mattress, integrated LED lighting.
  • Durability: Waterproof fabrics and hard shells for long-lasting use.
  • Versatility: Compatible with SUVs, 4x4s, and pickups.
Roof Top Tent on a pickup

Conclusion: Find Your Ideal Roof Top Tent

Choosing which Roof Top Tent is the best is easy with this guide.

First, assess your needs: weight, capacity, seasonality. Our 10 hard and soft shell models suit all profiles. Explore our Roof Top Tent range and start your adventure!

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